Method for reading an image sensor

Abstract

Imaging device and method for reading an image sensor in the imaging device. The imaging device has optics with which the imaging device can be focused on objects. The image sensor has a plurality of sensor lines, wherein each sensor line comprises a plurality of preferably linearly arranged, preferably individually readable pixel elements. A pixel range is defined with the pixel range comprising at least a section of a sensor line. The reading of the image sensor is restricted to the pixel elements (6) in the pixel range.

What is claimed: 
     
       1. A method for reading an image sensor in an imaging device, wherein the imaging device has optics, with which the imaging device focuses on objects, the image sensor has a plurality of sensor lines and each sensor line comprises a plurality of pixel elements, the method comprising:
 defining a pixel range comprising at least one section of at least one of the plurality of sensor lines, 
 focusing the optics on a measurement plane in an imaging area; 
 moving the objects through the imaging area, 
 wherein, as the objects move through the imaging area, a reading of at least a portion of the objects along the measurement plane by the image sensor is limited to pixel elements in the pixel range, 
 carrying out a reference measurement while a reference object with known features is moved through the measurement plane; and 
 determining a position that promises maximum contrast by evaluating the reference measurement, 
 wherein the pixel range is defined on a basis of the determined position. 
 
     
     
       2. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the pixel range comprises at least one entire sensor line. 
     
     
       3. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the pixel range comprises at least one of a contiguous section of the image sensor or two or more pixel subranges that are spatially separated from one another. 
     
     
       4. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the defined pixel range is adapted to a moving position of at least one object. 
     
     
       5. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the defined pixel range is dynamically changed. 
     
     
       6. The method according to  claim 5 , wherein the defined pixel range for detecting a surface of a moving object is dynamically changed. 
     
     
       7. An imaging device comprising:
 at least one image sensor comprising a plurality of sensor lines, wherein each of the plurality of sensor lines comprises a plurality of pixel elements, 
 optics, with which the imaging device focuses on a measurement plane in an imaging area, 
 a path along which objects are movable so that at least portions of the objects are arranged in the measurement plane; and 
 a control unit configured to read values recorded by the pixel elements of the image sensor, 
 wherein the control unit defines a pixel range comprising at least one section of the image sensor, the pixel range comprising at least a section of at least one of the plurality of sensor lines, 
 wherein the reading of the image sensor by the control unit is limited to pixel elements in the pixel range, 
 wherein the control unit carries out a reference measurement while a reference object with known features is moved through the measurement plane, 
 wherein the control unit determines a position that promises maximum contrast by evaluating the reference measurement, and 
 wherein the pixel range is defined on a basis of the determined position. 
 
     
     
       8. The imaging device according to  claim 7 , wherein the pixel range is defined on a basis of at least one complete sensor line. 
     
     
       9. The imaging device according to  claim 7 , wherein a program logic defining the pixel range on the basis of the at least one image previously taken by the imaging device is implemented in the control unit. 
     
     
       10. The imaging device according to  claim 7 , wherein the control unit has an interface with an external controller via which the external controller receives parameters for defining the pixel range. 
     
     
       11. The imaging device according to  claim 7 , wherein the pixel range is definable as at least one of a contiguous section of the image sensor, or two or more mutually spatially separate pixel subranges. 
     
     
       12. The imaging device according to  claim 7 , wherein the defined pixel range is dynamically changeable. 
     
     
       13. The imaging device according to  claim 7 , wherein the defined pixel range is adaptable to a moving position of at least one object. 
     
     
       14. The imaging device according to  claim 7 , wherein the defined pixel range for detecting a surface of a moving object is dynamically changeable. 
     
     
       15. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of sensor lines comprise linearly arranged pixel elements. 
     
     
       16. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of sensor lines comprise individually readable pixel elements. 
     
     
       17. The imaging device according to  claim 7 , wherein the plurality of sensor lines comprise linearly arranged pixel elements. 
     
     
       18. The imaging device according to  claim 7 , wherein the plurality of sensor lines comprise individually readable pixel elements.